Speech, language and communication therapy action plan

This is the first update newsletter of the Speech, language and communication therapy action plan. The action plan was developed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) with the aim that all children and young people at risk of or presenting with speech, language or communication needs will be able to benefit from timely support and integrated services that best meet their requirements.

Make handwashing part of your daily routine to avoid winter bugs, says PHA

As the winter months are approaching the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Global Handwashing Day on October 15 to remind people of the need to maintain good hand hygiene. This will help to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading winter viruses such as influenza and norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug. The PHA is urging everyone to make a habit of regularly washing their hands with soap and warm water. Older people and those with underlying health conditions need to be particularly aware of ways to reduce their risk of picking up infections.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 40 (1 - 7 October 2012)

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Positive Blood Cultures: Laboratory Reports, NI

Tables showing  Gram Negative, Gram Positive and Anaerobic Bacteraemias  reported in Northern Ireland, from 2010 to 2016.

Escherichia coli (E.coli) Bacteraemia Surveillance

Charts showing E.coli and ESBL Bacteraemias in Northern Ireland, by quarter, from 2010 to 2016.

GENIE makes important diabetes discovery

An international group of researchers has discovered two genes that increase the risk of developing diabetes-associated kidney disease. Kidney disease is a common and serious complication of diabetes and it is associated with a greatly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Globally, diabetic kidney disease is now the leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplant. Up to now scientists and clinicians were aware that some patients developed kidney disease but not why this happened.

Local pregnant woman protects herself and unborn baby from flu

Pregnant women are more likely to develop serious complications as a result of flu compared to women who are not pregnant, so the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) is to protect yourself and your baby by getting the flu vaccine. First-time mum-to-be Grainne Cushley is 34 weeks pregnant, and explained that getting the flu vaccine was an easy decision to make.
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